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Summary

Provides a history of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory and its solar constant measurement program, 1902-1962, developed by Charles Greeley Abbot. Discusses the debate over whether the data proved there was solar variability, and reanalyses the data to resolve the debate. Concludes solar constant appears to be constant to within about 0.1% and that it is independent of solar variability.

Author

Hoyt, Douglas V

Subject

Abbot, C. G (Charles Greeley) b. 1872

Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory

Category

Smithsonian Institution History Bibliography

Notes

Scientific Figures, Tables and a Reference section accompany the article.